Even as he faces his most competitive congressional challenge in decades, 19-term East Bay Democratic Rep. Pete Stark has virtually suspended local campaign appearances - turning down two upcoming debates sponsored by five chambers of commerce and a Asian Pacific Islander group in his district.

Stark, 80, of Fremont has been absent on the campaign trail since he made headlines recently with some campaign gaffes at a Chronicle editorial board meeting and at a public debate in Hayward.

The California congressional delegation's longest-serving member has faced an unusually strong challenge from his 31-year-old Democratic challenger, Alameda County prosecutor Eric Swalwell, who is also a Dublin city councilman.